Category Archives: Thrive at Work
December 2, 2015 Activity: Your Greatest Moments
Copyright Margaret Smith, UXL: Creating Successful Leaders
One of the activities I often use in my career-based workshops is one that involves your personal highs and lows. It gets you thinking about your greatest moments and your worst moments, the times you felt like you were on Cloud 9 and the times when you felt like just throwing in the towel.
The reason I enjoy giving this activity is because it gives direction; it makes you realize what you like most about your career, what you like least, and what really, really needs to change. It also helps give you a voice–to ask for what you don’t currently have. Not finding the support you need at work? Seek it out. Not finding your optimal productivity? Think of when you were most productive and figure out how to recreate that environment.
This activity will give you a good starting point, but it may take some further detective work and guidance to truly figure out the next steps you need to take to be happy at work. I’m here to help with those next steps. In the meantime, take ten minutes out of your day to reflect and spend meaningful time on the following activity. Enjoy!
Grab a pen and paper and jot down a few sentences in response to the following prompts. Then, spend some time thinking about what your answers mean and write down an action plan to achieve your best self.
1a. Think of a time when you were the most productive. What were the circumstances and why do you think you were highly productive?
1b. Think of a time when you felt the least productive. What were the circumstances?
2a. Think of a time when you felt a strong sense of belonging or community. Write about it.
2b. Think of a time when you felt the least sense of belonging. Write about it.
3a. Think of a time when you were learning the most. What were you learning? How did that time feel?
3b. Think of a time when you were learning the least. What were the circumstances?
4a. Think of a time when you were having the most fun. Why do you think that was?
4b. Think of a time when you were having the least fun. Why?
It is important to give yourself time to reflect and think about these questions, but it is just as important to create an action plan after you’re done reflecting. What areas matter most to you? Do you care about productivity, but are not concerned with learning? Do you want to prioritize a sense of belonging in your life and career? List some ideas that will help you maximize your priority areas.
If you’d like to discuss this activity, or if you have any questions, please reach out and contact me at any time.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: career action plan, career coach Margaret Smith, career reflection activity, community, have fun at work, learning at work, Lifelong Learning, personal reflection activity, productivity at work, self discovery, sense of belonging
November 25, 2015 Looking for a Breakthrough? (all about Insights Deeper Discovery)
After last weeks’ successful Insights Deeper Discovery workshop, I am eager to bring this innovative and empowering program to anyone and everyone who is undergoing a transition or is feeling in need of guidance.
You may be familiar with Insights® Discovery. It’s a program based off the principles of renown psychiatrist Carl Jung that uses a four-color model to talk about our individual capabilities and challenges. This model can be used to capitalize on personal strengths, overcome challenges, and communicate better with those around you. As an Insights® Licensed Practitioner, I’ve personally seen some astonishing transformations (both individually and office-wide). Suddenly, people start opening up in ways they never have and allow themselves to flourish and grow.
This is why I’m excited to announce that Insights® Discovery now has a new, more in-depth model that builds off the basic principles of Insights®. Even if you’ve never been through the original program, this new model helps foster growth and development in your career, personal life, communication skills, and interactions with others.
What is Deeper Discovery?
Deeper Discovery is a continuation of the Insights® Discovery journey. Using Archetypes of Discovery as a lens (more about that on the Insights® website), individuals and teams embark upon a journey of improved self-understanding. Through use of the new Deeper Discovery wheel, participants discover their potential in engaging and memorable ways and apply their learning to the workplace and life.
Unlock Individual & Team Potential
Build on the simple and accessible Insights® Discovery model.
Explore individual, team, and leadership effectiveness.
Enhance a long-term program of development.
Develop a profound level of self-understanding to transform your life and your work.
Understand what drives and motivates others. Become a more authentic and inspiring leader.
Sound Like Something You’d Like To Explore?
Great! I’ve partnered with Dr. Jean Davidson to put on several Deeper Discovery workshops. You can find more information on our Intentional Discovery Website, or you can contact me directly with questions.
Let’s discover your best you!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: Deeper discovery workshop, Dr. Jean Davidson, Insights Deeper Discovery, Insights Deeper Discovery Workshops, Insights Licensed Practitioners, Intentional Discovery, Margaret Smith, Minneapolis Insights Practitioners, Personal and business breakthroughs
November 11, 2015 Your Robot Co-Worker: What you have that it doesn’t
I’ve been reading a lot about robots lately. From drones to vacuum cleaners, more and more robotics are being used to take over “people jobs.” While some people have expressed concern about this, I have faith that people will figure out how to continue to live and work side-by-side with robots. After all, we’ve been doing it for years! Certain factories, customer service telephone lines, and banking services have all been automated for a while. And new jobs have cropped up that we never predicted a couple decades ago (app developer, social media marketer, pet stylist). Not to mention, there’s a whole movement of people who relish the “old ways” and seek out hand-crafted furniture, family farms, hand-sewn clothing, etc.
Anyway, back to the robots.
Even though robots are beginning to take over more and more jobs, there are still several skills that YOU have that THEY don’t. According to a BBC report, “So far, humans are vastly superior at any work that relies on creativity, entrepreneurialism, interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Jobs that fall into these categories – including clergymen, nurses, motivational speakers, caretakers, trainers, entertainers and more – will probably fare well in a more automated world.”
Capitalize on those skills! Brush up on your networking and interpersonal communication. Keep your mind nimble and creative. You can take classes, attend networking events, join volunteer organizations, find a meet-up group, or any number of things to keep your uniquely human skills sharp.
Above all, don’t panic! Humans are endlessly innovative and I’m sure we’ll figure out a way to work alongside the increasing number of robots. Who knows what new jobs might be invented because of the rise in robotics. Robot maintenance station, anyone?
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, LICENSED INSIGHTS DISCOVERY PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: human skills, keep your job in the future, people skills, polish your communication skills, robots in the workplace
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